What Is a Good SEER Rating for Air Conditioners?

If you’re needing air conditioner installation in West Columbia, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. In short, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A greater number means your air conditioner is more efficient, which is good for your electrical costs.

However, there are many differing options out there for air conditioners. And a greater SEER ranking often includes a bigger cost. So, how can you determine which one is ideal for your house?

At Tri City Fuel & Heating, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can request one by contacting us at 803-265-4208. Our knowledgeable air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your needs. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s discuss SEER ratings and how they can impact your home’s comfort. And your electrical expenses.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re unsure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER number is, you can locate the sticker on the system outside your house. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can give us a call at 803-265-4208 for support.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioner technology has quickly changed in the past couple of years, with huge advancements in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on utility expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re away.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, installing a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual cooling bills. Your savings relate to your air conditioner size and your temp settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at consuming electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency systems, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® endorsement. This designation signifies the air conditioner meets EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more costly, you’ll generally get the difference returned throughout the years through cheaper cooling expenses. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and better, consume about 8% less energy than other new units, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the largest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can operate at varying speeds. This refines comfort for your family while keeping your electrical expenses down. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more consistent, since it can go for longer without requiring a lot more electricity.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to send cool air around your residence. Furnaces only last for about 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we advise getting furnace installation at the same time so you can enjoy all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating are available to help. Call us at 803-265-4208 to request your free home comfort analysis today.